Alzheimer’s awareness to be discussed at luncheon
Justin combs
Senior Writer
seniorwriter@occc.edu
OCCC has planned an educational luncheon to help those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
“Coping with Alzheimer’s” will be from noon to 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, in CU1, said Lisa Vaughan, Risk Management coordinator.
Vaughan said the college has made a commitment to educate people on the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and the importance of early detection.
“The goal of the session is to cover the 10 early warning signs of Alzheimer’s,” Vaughan said.
She said many people are touched by Alzheimer’s, since five million Americans are living with the disease, which is why the college hopes to educate participants about early symptoms.
Vaughan said the session also will cover where to get tested and seek help.
The speaker, Paula Avery, specializes in helping families who have been affected by Alzheimer’s, she said.
“A lot of times there is a stigma associated with Alzheimer’s.”
“We’re wanting to get over that and let people know that the more you know about it the better equipped you are to deal with it.”
Avery said in an e-mail that diagnosing Alzheimer’s can be difficult.
People forgetting where they parked their car or having difficulty recalling a person’s name are not necessarily symptoms of the disease, Avery stated.
“These isolated incidents are far different from Alzheimer’s disease,” she stated. “It’s when we see a number of early warning signs happening collectively that families should be concerned.”
There are multiple factors that should be considered and age bias should be avoided when determining cognitive screening, Avery stated.
“Family members should be the best barometer for recognizing signs indicating a cognitive decrease in function level,” she stated.
Statistically, Avery said, Alzheimer’s affects 1 out of 8 people over the age of 65 and 50 percent of people over the age of 85.
“Since age is the greatest risk factor, the disease affects more women,” she said. “Statistically, we have longer life spans.”
Vaughan said the session is open to all employees, active or retired.
Employees can register for the session through WOW! Classes on MineOnline.
However, Vaughan said, students also are invited to the luncheon.
Students who would like to attend should contact Vaughan.
For more information, contact Vaughan at 405-682-1611, ext. 7148, or e-mail lvaughan@occc.edu.
